Search Results (49)

Background: Vietnam is experiencing a significant “double burden” of malnutrition, characterized by the persistent challenge of undernutrition, particularly stunting in ethnic minority and mountainous regions, alongside a rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. Understanding dual nutritional status and its related factors in adolescents from these vulnerable areas is crucial for effective intervention. Objective: The current study explored the nutritional status of ethnic minority secondary school students in some mountainous provinces in the northwest of Vietnam and identified some related factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study over six months (June–December 2023), involving 1847 ethnic minority high school students from Son La and Dien Bien provinces, recruited through convenience sampling in primary healthcare settings. Nutritional status was determined using WHO 2006 Child Growth Standards, specifically height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-scores (BAZ). A 4-point scale assessed nutritional practices, including food consumption frequency and eating habits. Results: This study identified a stunting (HAZ < −2 SD) prevalence of 16.7% and wasting (BAZ < −2 SD) of 5.6%; overweight/obesity (BAZ > +1 SD) prevalence was 8.2%. Key factors related to stunting were being male, having more siblings, poor/near-poor household economic status, low maternal education level, and frequent occurrences of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. A higher risk of overweight/obesity was associated with consuming more than three meals daily, nocturnal snacking, frequent intake of fried foods, insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits, and inadequate daily physical activity. Conclusions: Our study shows a comprehensive picture of malnutrition among children in ethnic minority areas. Essential nutritional intervention programs, projects, and models are a top priority to reduce the disease burden for children’s bright future and to enhance socio-economic development in the mountainous regions of Vietnam. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the safety and tolerance of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YLGB-1496 (B. infantis YLGB-1496) in toddlers with respiratory illness. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 120 toddlers with respiratory illness were randomly assigned to the probiotic (YLGB-1496) or control group for a 12-week intervention. Follow-up examinations were conducted at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 6 and 12 of the intervention. Toddlers’ height and weight were measured by trained personnel, and defecation characteristics and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded by parents or guardians. Stool samples were collected to determine the fecal pH, fecal calprotectin (FC) concentration, and fecal α1-antitrypsin (AAT) concentration. Results: A total of 115 toddlers completed the 12-week intervention (58 in the YLGB-1496 group and 57 in the control group). The height-for-age Z score (HAZ) in the YLGB-1496 group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p = 0.006). The weight-for-age Z score (WAZ) in the YLGB-1496 group increased between weeks 6 and 12, whereas the WAZ in the control group continuously decreased during the intervention. No differences in the frequency or consistency of defecation between the groups were observed. Toddlers in the YLGB-1496 group had lower incidences of poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomachache, lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dehydration (p < 0.05) but higher fecal AAT concentrations (p = 0.008) than did those in the control group. No differences in the fecal pH or FC concentration were observed between the groups. Conclusions: B. infantis YLGB-1496 demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability in toddlers and effectively reduced the gastrointestinal discomfort associated with respiratory illnesses. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on postoperative outcomes in infants and children with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) undergoing cardiac surgeries. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective review of medical records of children aged 1 month to 5 years with CHDs who underwent cardiac surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) between January 2015 and January 2017. Anthropometric data were collected and z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and BMI-for-age were calculated. Malnutrition was classified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) criteria. The postoperative outcomes were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable models. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 33.8%, with children younger than 24 months having significantly higher odds of malnutrition. The most common CHDs were ventricular septal defect (VSD) and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), with malnutrition being significantly more prevalent in the children with VSD. Malnutrition was significantly associated with a prolonged pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, with underweight being the strongest predictor. Malnourished children also had a significantly longer mechanical ventilation time (median 9.0 vs. 5.0 h, p = 0.017). Lower weight-for-age (WAZ) and BMI-for-age z-scores were associated with longer hospital stay, PICU stay, and mechanical ventilation durations. Conclusions: Malnutrition is prevalent among children with CHDs and is independently associated with longer hospital and PICU stays, as well as extended mechanical ventilation. Early nutritional assessment and intervention may improve postoperative outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article

Background: The growth patterns of children and adolescents are influenced by multiple factors. This study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine the primary factors influencing the growth of Palestinian children and adolescents in the West Bank (WB). Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted in 2022 in the WB collected data from 1400 households, of which 500 with children aged 5–17 years and were selected for analysis. The survey assessed household food insecurity, socioeconomic status (SES), parental health history, nutritional awareness, food consumption patterns, and nutrient intake. The latent construct “Child Growth” was measured using Body Mass Index-for-age Z-score (BAZ), height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), and Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR). SEM was employed to examine the interrelations among latent variables and their observed indicators. Results: Mineral intake showed the strongest direct effect on child growth (β = 0.812, p < 0.001), followed by food availability (β = 0.492), vitamin intake (β = 0.481), SES (β = 0.439), and macronutrient intake (β = 0.383). MAR exhibited the highest factor loading as a growth indicator, while HAZ had limited significance, suggesting its chronic nature. SES influenced growth both directly and indirectly through its effects on food availability and dietary intake pathways. Strong correlations between nutritional knowledge and nutrient classes reflect the interrelationship between behavioral and biological determinants. Conclusions: Both structural and immediate nutritional factors influence child growth. In Palestinian youth, mineral intake, food security, and SES have the greatest influence. These findings offer a framework for understanding the growth determinants of Palestinian youth in the WB and support the development of targeted interventions to improve dietary quality and overall nutritional status. Full article

Background/Objectives: The skeletal system reaches peak bone mass through modeling and remodeling processes, influenced by environmental, dietary, hormonal, and genetic factors. In children with endocrinopathies, disturbances in bone mass and mineralization may correlate with hormonal levels, but conditions like short stature or obesity can confound DXA results. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in children with endocrine disorders and evaluate the impact of auxological and hormonal abnormalities on BMD. Methods: This study analyzed medical records of 148 children (mean age 11.85 ± 3.34 years); 73 girls and 75 boys). Conditions included obesity (22.9%), short stature (47.9%), precocious puberty (10.1%), and other diagnoses. Clinical data included primary diagnosis, height, body weight, pubertal stage, and serum concentrations of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25OHD, PTH, osteocalcin, Crosslaps, TSH, fT4, IGF-1, IGF-BP3, cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, and bone age. DXA scans were performed at the total body less head (TBLH) and lumbar spine (Spine) projection. Results: Low bone mass (aBMD Z-score ≤ −2) was found in 34.46% at TBLH and 15.54% at the Spine. After height adjustment (HAZ adjustment), the prevalence of low bone mass decreased to 11.4% at TBLH and 4.1% at the Spine. In the short stature group, the normalization of Z-scores for height significantly reduced abnormal results. A positive correlation was found between DXA parameters and age, height standard deviation score (HSDS), BMI SDS, estradiol, testosterone, IGF-1, and IGF-BP3. A negative correlation existed between vitamin D and DXA parameters. Bone turnover markers (osteocalcin and Crosslaps) also negatively affected bone mass. No significant correlations were found with PTH, TSH, fT4, or cortisol. In children with growth retardation, lower aBMD_HAZ Z-scores were observed in those with decreased IGF-1. Positive correlations existed between BMI SDS, IGF-1, and adjusted aBMD Z-scores. Conclusions: Children with endocrine disorders, especially those with short stature, are at risk for bone mineralization disorders. Height normalization is crucial for accurate DXA interpretation and avoiding overdiagnosis. Positive influences on bone mass include height, BMI, IGF-1, estradiol, and testosterone, while negative factors include bone turnover markers and low vitamin D. Full article

This quasi-experimental trial examined the relationship between Schistosoma haematobium infection and nutritional status, and the impact of single dose praziquantel (PZQ) therapy on undernutrition. A total of 353 children were examined, 112 of which were infected with S. haematobium and treated with PZQ. Children’s heights, weights, and mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC) were measured at baseline and one month post-treatment. Infected children had significantly smaller mean BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) (−1.16 vs. 0.11, p < 0.01) and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (−0.61 vs. −0.31, p = 0.03) than the uninfected ones at baseline. S. haematobium infection was associated with underweight (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.63–1.90). One month after treatment, BAZ, WAZ, height for age z-scores (HAZ), and MUAC scores were comparable between treated and control children. However, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of underweight among treated children, while no significant change was observed in the control group one month post-treatment. In conclusion, children infected with S. haematobium are likely to suffer from undernutrition; however, single dose PZQ therapy may not improve their nutritional status within one month of treatment. Future studies could have longer follow-up periods to better estimate the drug’s effect on nutrition. Full article

Background: Providing early nutritional support through Ying Yang Bao (YYB) can assist children in achieving their full developmental potential. We aimed to examine the lasting impact of YYB and how growth affects neurodevelopment in preschool children. Methods: 1104 children aged 1 year were divided into a YYB control group (YYB-CG) and a YYB intervention group (YYB-IG). Information on basic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, dietary status, YYB consumption, and neurodevelopment for these children was taken annually from 2018 to 2022 until they reached 5 years old. Confounders were well balanced using propensity score matching (PSM), and then 474 pairs of children were included in subsequent analyses. The comparison between groups was performed using t-tests or chi-square analyses. Linear regressions were used to examine the independent associations between children’s dimensions (Z-score for weight relative to age [WAZ], Z-score for height relative to age [HAZ], Z-score for body mass index by age [BAZ], and conditional measures of height- and weight-based growth) and neurodevelopment. Results: Children in the YYB-IG had higher scores in the mental index (MI), the developmental quotient (DQ), height, and BAZ (p < 0.05) and had a lower risk of stunting. Accelerated weight gain from ages 1 to 5 (β (95% confidence interval [CI]): 0.26 (0.08–0.45)) and increased height gain during this period (β (95% CI): 0.68 (0.14–1.23)) were associated with greater MI. A higher WAZ was linked to increased MI at 1 year (β (95% CI): 0.89 (0.09–1.68)), 2 years (β (95% CI): 0.99 (0.20–1.78)), 3 years (β (95% CI): 0.92 (0.15–1.69)), 4 years (β (95% CI): 0.88 (0.09–1.68)), and 5 years of age (β (95% CI): 1.01 (0.28–1.74)). An increased HAZ corresponded with a higher MI score at ages 1 year (β (95% CI): 1.47 (0.75–2.20)), 2 years (β (95% CI): 1.25 (0.49–2.02)), 3 years (β (95% CI): 1.11 (0.31–1.90)), 4 years (β (95% CI): 0.93 (0.12–1.74)), and 5 years old (β (95% CI): 1.17 (0.43–1.90)); higher DQ levels were also recorded at 1 year (β (95% CI): 0.82 (0.10–1.55)) and 5 years of age (β (95% CI): 0.79 (0.06–1.51)). Conclusions: YYB can improve specific areas of neurodevelopment and growth in preschool children. Additionally, children’s linear growth is positively linked to neurodevelopment in those of preschool age. Full article

Age-stratified path analyses modeled associations between enteric pathogen reservoirs, transmission pathways and height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) to identify determinants of childhood growth in the Kolkata, India site of the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS). Models tested direct associations of potential pathogen reservoirs with HAZ at 60-day follow-up in separate moderate and severe diarrhea (MSD) case and control cohorts or indirectly when mediated by enteric infections. In the MSD cohort, rotavirus and typical EPEC (tEPEC) infections among children 0–11 months of age and ST-ETEC infections among children 12–23 months of age were associated with lower HAZ. Handwashing after defecating and before cooking reduced impaired growth through reductions in rotavirus and tEPEC infections. Water storage increased rotavirus and ST-ETEC infection risks, resulting in increased impaired growth, but was reduced with reported child feces disposal. The GII norovirus variant was inversely associated with HAZ among children 12–59 months of age in the control cohort. Reported handwashing before the handling of children reduced GII infections and impaired growth. Boiling water and the disposal of children’s feces mediated by stored water were positively associated with HAZ. The targeting of pathogen-specific reservoirs and transmission pathways may more effectively improve childhood linear growth in South Asian urban communities. Full article

Complementary feeding (CF) may influence later eating behaviour and growth. Our previous Randomised Control Trial (RCT) reported that new CF guidelines (NCFGs) implemented in 6–12-month-old infants in Bogota, Colombia, had positive short-term effects on red meat, vegetable and fruit consumption. Here, we assessed the effects of the NCFGs on food consumption, eating behaviour and growth at 6 years of age. Weight and height were measured using 50 children (58.8%) from the cohort. Feeding behaviour was measured using the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) and maternal and child food consumption was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The control group (CG) had a significantly higher weekly consumption of chocolate milk drinks (p = 0.05). The mean food responsiveness (FR) score was significantly higher in the CG (p < 0.001). Although HAZ (height for age Z-score) at 6 years of age was significantly higher in the CG (p < 0.02), there was no significant difference between groups in the change in HAZ from 6 months and 12 months to 6 years of age. BMIZ (body mass index Z-score) and % overweight (CG 18.5% versus NCFG 13%) or obese (3.7% versus 0%) were not significantly different between groups. BMIZ was positively predicted by FR (β 0.293; p = 0.014) and negatively predicted by weekly red meat consumption episodes per week at 12 months (β −0.169; p = 0.020). Although there was no direct effect of an intervention on BMIZ at 6 years of age, the results were consistent with an indirect effect via intervention effects on meat consumption at an age of 12 months and FR at 6 years of age. However, further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are needed. Full article

Background and aims: Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for linear growth and preventing stunting. Current evidence indicates that dietary protein intake in children and adolescents is often two to three times higher than the recommendations in many regions worldwide. However, few studies have focused on the association between high protein intake and linear growth and stunting in this population. We aim to investigate this association in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years in a population with relatively high protein consumption. Methods: We conducted a large cross-sectional study involving 3299 participants from Shenzhen, a modern metropolis of China. Protein intake, including total protein, animal protein, and plant protein, was evaluated by a food-frequency questionnaire and expressed as grams per kilogram of body weight per day (g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) and as a percentage of total energy intake (%E). The primary outcomes were body height and height-for-age Z score (HAZ). Generalized linear models and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the associations between protein intake and outcomes. We also conducted stratified analyses across different genders and pubertal stages in the aforementioned associations. Results: The mean protein intake was 1.81 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ (17% E). After adjusting for serum calcium, zinc, vitamin D₃, vitamin A levels, birth outcomes, lifestyle, and parental characteristics, each standard deviation increase of 1 in protein intake (0.64 kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) is found to be associated with a −5.78 cm change in body height (95% CI: −6.12, −5.45) and a −0.79 change in HAZ (95% CI: −0.84, −0.74). Consistent results were observed when protein intake was expressed as %E or specifically as animal or plant protein. Moreover, the relationship between protein intake and linear growth remained consistent across genders in different pubertal stages, similar to that of the overall participants. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential hazards of high protein intake on linear growth in children and adolescents. Caution should be exercised when promoting increased protein consumption in children and adolescents who already have a high intake of protein. Full article

The timing of complementary food (CF) introduction is closely related to childhood health, and it may vary depending on the region, culture, feeding type, or health condition. Despite numerous studies on the benefits of breastfeeding and the optimal timing of CF introduction, there have been limited investigations regarding delayed CF introduction in exclusively breastfed children. We compared an exposed group (CF introduction ≥7 months) with a reference group (CF introduction at 4 –< 7 months) regarding hospital admission, disease burden, and growth until age 10. Data from a nationwide population-based cohort study involving children born between 2008 and 2012 in the South Korea were analyzed. The final cohort comprised 206,248 children (165,925 in the exposed group and 40,323 in the reference group). Inverse probability of treatment weighting with propensity score matching was used to balance baseline health characteristics in the comparison groups. We estimated the incident risk ratios (IRR) for outcomes using modified Poisson regression and weighted odds ratios (weighted ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multinomial logistic regression. The exposed group was associated with low height-for-age z-score (HAZ) (IRR (95% CI) for −1.64 < HAZ ≤ −1.03: 1.11 (1.08 to 1.14); HAZ ≤ −1.64: 1.21 (1.14 to 1.27)) and frequent (≥6 events) hospitalizations (weighted OR 1.18 (1.09 to 1.29). The rates of hospital admission, death, and specific medical conditions did not differ between groups. However, delaying the introduction of CF until seven months in exclusively breastfed infants was associated with frequent hospitalization events and lower heights. Full article

Introduction: Stunting and anaemia, two severe public health problems, affect a significant number of children under the age of five. To date, the burden of and predictive factors for coexisting forms of stunting and anaemia in childhood have not been well documented in Ethiopia, where both the conditions are endemic. The primary aims of the present study were to: (i) determine the prevalence of co-morbid anaemia and stunting (CAS); (ii) and identify factors associated with these co-morbid conditions among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia. Methods: The study was based on data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS 2005–2016). The EDHS was a cross-sectional study that used a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique to select households. A total weighted sample of 21,172 children aged 6–59 months was included in the current study (EDHS-2005 (n = 3898), EDHS-2011 (n = 8943), and EDHS-2016 (n = 8332)). Children with height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) less than −2 SD were classified as stunted. Anaemia status was measured by haemoglobin level with readings below 11.0 g/deciliter (g/dL) categorized as anaemic. A multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with CAS. The findings from the models were reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Almost half of the children were males (51.1%) and the majority were from rural areas (89.2%). The prevalence of CAS was 24.4% [95% CI: (23.8–24.9)]. Multivariate analyses revealed that children aged 12–23 months, 24–35 months, and 36–59 months, and children perceived by their mothers to be smaller than normal at birth had higher odds of CAS. The odds of CAS were significantly higher among children born to anaemic mothers [AOR: 1.25, 95% CI: (1.11–1.41)], mothers with very short stature [AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: (1.44–2.91)], children from households which practiced open defecation [AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: (1.27–1.92)], children born to mothers without education [AOR: 3.66, 95% CI: (1.85–7.22)], and those who reside in rural areas [AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: (1.10, 1.82)]. Male children had 19% lower odds of having CAS compared to female children [AOR: 0.81, 95% CI: (0.73–0.91)]. Children born to mothers who had normal body mass index (BMI) [AOR: 0.82, 95%CI: (0.73–0.92)] reported lower odds of CAS. Conclusions: One in four preschool-age children in Ethiopia had co-morbid anaemia and stunting, which is a significant public health problem. Future interventions to reduce CAS in Ethiopia should target those children perceived to be small at birth, anaemic mothers, and mothers with short stature. Full article

Cost-effective interventions are needed to address undernutrition, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, which are common in children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries. A community-based, non-randomized clinical trial was undertaken in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 2018 to June 2019, to evaluate the effect of locally produced micronutrient powder (local name: Vita-Mixe) on plasma micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and anthropometric outcomes. Children aged 24–48 months old were recruited and allocated to the intervention and control arm of the study. The enrolled children in the intervention arm received one micronutrient powder (MNP) sachet for consumption on alternate days for 12 months. To assess the impact of the intervention on plasma levels of zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, and hemoglobin level, blood samples were taken at baseline and after one year following the intervention. The analysis was conducted using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), atomic absorption spectrometry, and an automated hematology analyzer. For the impact on growth parameters, the anthropometric assessment was performed using WHO standard guidelines. A 24 h dietary recall interview was used to assess the nutrient intake adequacy. Results showed that in the intervention arm, children had on average a 7.52 ng/mL (95% CI 5.11–9.92, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma level of vitamin A, 4.80 ng/mL (95% CI 1.63–7.95, p-value < 0.002) increase in vitamin D levels and 33.85 µg/dL (95% CI 24.40–43.30, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma zinc level, as well as a 2.0g/dL (95% CI 1.64–2.40, p-value < 0.001) increase in hemoglobin level. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) (from −1.0 ± 0.88 to −0.40 ± 1.01, p < 0.001) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) (from −1.40 ± 0.50 to −1.05 ± 0.49, p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. No statistically significant change was observed in the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) in the intervention group (p = 0.93). In conclusion, micronutrient powder supplementation is a cost-effective intervention to improve the micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and growth parameters in under-five children, which can be scaled up in the existing health system to address the alarming rates of undernutrition in Pakistan and other developing countries. Full article

Today, the situation of Syrian refugees is one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition among pediatric populations of Syrian refugees, 176 Syrian refugee children, with stays of more than two years at three refugee camps (Zalhé, Deddeh, and Kfar Jouz) or from the town of Yohmor, Lebanon were authorized by their parents to participate in this study. The children were anthropometrically evaluated and height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) Z-scores were obtained and compared with WHO standards. Furthermore, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was analyzed for screening children 6–59 months old. According to the anthropometric measures, no child met the criteria for chronic, global, acute malnutrition (CGAM), severe acute malnutrition (SAM), or moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). In the total sample, 49.4% of participants were moderately thin, with girls presenting a higher prevalence of thinness than that of boys. Thus, the absence of high rates of malnutrition was verified despite the magnitude of the Syrian refugee’s problem. The data provided by this study identify the need to carry out further research to assess anthropometric growth and nutritional status among long-staying refugee children in order to prevent any health issues that may arise in the future. Full article

Agroecological food systems and socioeconomic characteristics are known to influence household food security and food consumption patterns and consequently have an impact on child nutritional status. The present study examined food consumption patterns among children aged 6–23 months in two geographic regions of Zambia, with special focus on consumption of fermented products, and its association with illnesses and nutritional status. The cross-sectional survey enrolled a total of 213 children from Namwala and Mkushi districts of Zambia. A 24 h recall and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used to determine the number of food groups consumed and consequently dietary diversity scores and food consumption patterns, respectively. Determinants of child’s linear growth as measured by Height-for-Age Z-scores (HAZ) were assessed via multiple linear regression analysis. In total, 54% of the children met the minimum dietary diversity by consuming food from at least 5+ food groups. Maize meal porridge, Mabisi (fermented milk), Chibwantu and Munkoyo (fermented beverages based on cereals) and groundnuts were among the frequently consumed foods. A higher consumption of fermented beverages was observed in Namwala compared to Mkushi district. A significant association was observed between HAZ score (rho = 0.198, p = 0.004), Weight-for-Age Z-score (WAZ) (rho = 0.142, p = 0.039) and consumption of mabisi. Dietary intake had a positive association with child nutritional status. The frequent consumption of traditional non-alcoholic cereal and milk-based fermented foods underpinned their contribution to the children’s dietary intake. Moreover, the trend would be viewed as an indicator to nutrition and policy actors on possible unoptimized potential of indigenous fermented foods’ influence in nutritional and health status among children at regional and national levels. Although Zambia has a wide range of traditional non-alcoholic fermented food products, their prospects in provision of macro- and micronutrients along with microbiota benefits remain scanty despite global efforts increasingly advocating for the inclusion of such traditional foods in food-based recommendations. Full article